Prior to its description this species was typically identified as the congener B. canarensis in the ornamental trade.

It can be distinguished from congeners by the following combination of characters: uni…

It can be distinguished from other members of the genus by the following characters: lateral line absent or perforating only 2-5 scales; pharyngeal teeth hooked; body size small, not exceeding 30 mm SL; body depth less than 25 % SL; colour pattern comprising a dark bluish lateral stripe extending from the eye to the caudal peduncle, typically, but not always, forming 2-5 circular spots along its length.

As far as we know this species is yet to arrive to the international aquarium trade though it has been maintained by a handful of Indian aquarists.

It’s restricted geographical range and difficulty of collection mean it’s unlikely to become available in numbers unless adopted by commercial breeders.

The hill streams in which this fish can be found are generally shaded by the forest canopy and dense marginal vegetation. Substrates are typically composed of boulders, smaller stones, sand or gravel with submerged tree roots around the margins and quieter areas in which fallen branches and leaf litter collect.

Other fish species occurring in the Tunga…